Welcome to ''Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning''. In response to frequent inquiries for information about planning academic library buildings, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) have joined forces to provide a basic framework for architects, planners, and librarians embarking on the planning and design of libraries for higher education. This Guide will provide information for thinking about the design of new and renovated library space, and point toward additional resources that can support, inform and enhance the academic library design process.

Welcome to ''Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning''. In response to frequent inquiries for information about planning academic library buildings, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) have joined forces to provide a basic framework for architects, planners, and librarians embarking on the planning and design of libraries for higher education. This Guide will provide information for thinking about the design of new and renovated library space, and point toward additional resources that can support, inform and enhance the academic library design process.

:University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. UI Current LIS CLIPS The Library as Place: The changing nature and enduring appeal of library buildings and space. http://clips.lis.uiuc.edu/2006_09P2.html This site includes many summaries and pointers to key articles and documents, with some focusing on users.

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:Searing, Susan E., and Karla Stover Lucht (2006). The library as place: the changing nature and enduring appeal of library buildings and spaces. UI Current LIS Clips: A current awareness service for the library and information community.

::Part 2, Academic and research libraries. Internet Archive URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20090420170803/http://clips.lis.illinois.edu/2006_09P2.html. This site includes many summaries and pointers to key articles and documents, with some focusing on users.

:Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester. Susan Gibbons and Nancy Foster (eds.). September 2007 from Association of College and Research Libraries. (print and freely available download http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/digital/Foster-Gibbons_cmpd.pdf )

:Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester. Susan Gibbons and Nancy Foster (eds.). September 2007 from Association of College and Research Libraries. (print and freely available download http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/digital/Foster-Gibbons_cmpd.pdf )

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[[File:Law commons.jpg]]

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[[File:Ohio State University.jpg]]

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'''William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, Ohio State University'''

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'''The Law Commons at the University of Arizona, Tucson'''

== '''Precedents''' ==

== '''Precedents''' ==

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This website was compiled by a librarian on sabbatical. It includes individual reports on 19 academic information commons with many photos and an extensive, current bibliography.

This website was compiled by a librarian on sabbatical. It includes individual reports on 19 academic information commons with many photos and an extensive, current bibliography.

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'''Chronicle of Higher Education.''' Campus Architecture Database. The link to the campus architecture database (http://chronicle.com/blog/Buildings-Grounds/4/category/118/) allows one to browse the entire database. Scroll down to the Buildings & Grounds Archives box and use the search box. The quickest way to find specific library information is to search by library name, architect, or institution.

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'''Chronicle of Higher Education.''' Campus Architecture Database. The link to the campus architecture database (http://chronicle.com/blogs/buildings/) allows one to browse the entire database. Scroll down to the Buildings & Grounds Archives box and use the search box. The quickest way to find specific library information is to search by library name, architect, or institution.

'''Library Journal''', annual issue on library buildings

'''Library Journal''', annual issue on library buildings

December 15 issue The most recent issue - 2009 - is at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6709734.html Library Journal publishes an annual photo montage with summary data of library buildings constructed during the past year.

December 15 issue The most recent issue - 2009 - is at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6709734.html Library Journal publishes an annual photo montage with summary data of library buildings constructed during the past year.

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== '''Space Planning''' ==

== '''Space Planning''' ==

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Planners must strive for nimble building and design programs that anticipate the evolving needs of the academic library community - that is planning for emerging technologies, evolving library collections and delivery systems, potential future expansion, changing user demographics, etc. As noted previously, there are many crucial factors to be considered in planning library space:

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Planners must strive for building and design flexibility - that is planning for future technology, changing library collections, possible future expansion, changing user demographics, etc. As noted previously, there are many crucial factors to be considered in planning library space:

* Consideration given to bringing in a professional interior designer/architect

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* Reusability (value consideration), flexibility (balance between order and chaos), portability (user control) and adaptability (recognition of constant change in the 21st century library)

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* Durability for 24/7 use in public areas. Check express warranties on products being considered

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* Conformance with the library program: How well does the FF&E mesh with the desired project outcomes? The Library program (outcomes) should drive the FF&E, not the other way around. * Patron characteristics: Is the space designed to encourage extended usage, or in-and-out. Size of work surfaces, seating type, creature comforts such as lockers and furniture cubbies will influence length of stay.

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* Ergonomic and ADA considerations

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* Security issues juxtaposed with privacy interests. A security-based need which calls for open design will influence height of partitioning, design and degree of private study space, and private study area location and layout

Many of the sites in the Precedents section (above) will address library furnishings. Vendors are also available at the American Library Association Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences and are conveniently listed alphabetically and by category in those conference program guides.

* Efficacy of design: Will the actual use reflect the intended use? Example: A small 4-person table may realistically seat only two.

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* Wayfinding and signage should be thoughtful and intentional

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Many of the sites in the Precedents section (above) address library furnishings. Vendors are also available at the American Library Association Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences and are conveniently listed alphabetically and by category in those conference program guides.

ACRL receives many inquiries about numeric standards for academic library buildings. While there are no specific national quantitative standards, some qualitative standards are available from ACRL: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/standardslibraries.cfm

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ACRL receives many inquiries about numeric standards for academic library buildings. While there are no specific national quantitative standards, some qualitative standards are available from ACRL:

Perhaps the most useful section of these standards for designers of library space includes the following questions:

Perhaps the most useful section of these standards for designers of library space includes the following questions:

# Does the library provide well-planned, secure, and sufficient space to meet the perceived needs of staff and users?

# Does the library provide well-planned, secure, and sufficient space to meet the perceived needs of staff and users?

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# Does the library meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

# Does the library meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

# Are facilities provided to distance learners considered in the context of the ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning and Library Services http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning.cfm .

# Are facilities provided to distance learners considered in the context of the ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning and Library Services http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning.cfm .

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[[file:Georgia Gwinnett LEED.jpg]]

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'''Georgia Gwinnett College Library, LEED certified'''

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== '''Green Building Resources'''==

== '''Green Building Resources'''==

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* The Library Leadership and Management Association’s Buildings and Equipment Section (LLAMA BES) brings together librarians and design professionals to analyze, discuss, and share information related to academic, public, and school library buildings, equipment, and furnishings. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to: library site selection, building planning and architecture; library furniture and equipment; interior design; maintenance and security of buildings and property; and disaster recovery. LLAMA BES includes the Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee, which is specifically devoted to academic libraries. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/llama/committees/bes/index.cfm

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* The Library Leadership and Management Association’s Buildings and Equipment Section (LLAMA BES) brings together librarians and design professionals to analyze, discuss, and share information related to academic, public, and school library buildings, equipment, and furnishings. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to: library site selection, building planning and architecture; library furniture and equipment; interior design; maintenance and security of buildings and property; and disaster recovery. LLAMA BES includes the Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee, which is specifically devoted to academic libraries. http://www.ala.org/llama/sections/bes

* Susan Gibbons and Nancy Foster, Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester, 2007. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/digital/Foster-Gibbons_cmpd.pdf

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* Susan Gibbons and Nancy Foster,eds., '''Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester'''. Chicago: American Library Association, 2007. http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2322

Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning

Joel Street Library, Princeton University 2012

Welcome

Welcome to Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning. In response to frequent inquiries for information about planning academic library buildings, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) have joined forces to provide a basic framework for architects, planners, and librarians embarking on the planning and design of libraries for higher education. This Guide will provide information for thinking about the design of new and renovated library space, and point toward additional resources that can support, inform and enhance the academic library design process.

User Studies

In addition to local studies, planners may want to consult studies which outline how users will likely use the space, considering the various types of library users as well as the role of technology. These sites are recommended:

Searing, Susan E., and Karla Stover Lucht (2006). The library as place: the changing nature and enduring appeal of library buildings and spaces. UI Current LIS Clips: A current awareness service for the library and information community.

The Learning Commons Model
http://faculty.rwu.edu/smcmullen
This website was compiled by a librarian on sabbatical. It includes individual reports on 19 academic information commons with many photos and an extensive, current bibliography.

Chronicle of Higher Education. Campus Architecture Database. The link to the campus architecture database (http://chronicle.com/blogs/buildings/) allows one to browse the entire database. Scroll down to the Buildings & Grounds Archives box and use the search box. The quickest way to find specific library information is to search by library name, architect, or institution.

Space Planning

Planners must strive for nimble building and design programs that anticipate the evolving needs of the academic library community - that is planning for emerging technologies, evolving library collections and delivery systems, potential future expansion, changing user demographics, etc. As noted previously, there are many crucial factors to be considered in planning library space:

Consideration given to bringing in a professional interior designer/architect

Reusability (value consideration), flexibility (balance between order and chaos), portability (user control) and adaptability (recognition of constant change in the 21st century library)

Durability for 24/7 use in public areas. Check express warranties on products being considered

Conformance with the library program: How well does the FF&E mesh with the desired project outcomes? The Library program (outcomes) should drive the FF&E, not the other way around. * Patron characteristics: Is the space designed to encourage extended usage, or in-and-out. Size of work surfaces, seating type, creature comforts such as lockers and furniture cubbies will influence length of stay.

Ergonomic and ADA considerations

Security issues juxtaposed with privacy interests. A security-based need which calls for open design will influence height of partitioning, design and degree of private study space, and private study area location and layout

Efficacy of design: Will the actual use reflect the intended use? Example: A small 4-person table may realistically seat only two.

Wayfinding and signage should be thoughtful and intentional

Many of the sites in the Precedents section (above) address library furnishings. Vendors are also available at the American Library Association Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences and are conveniently listed alphabetically and by category in those conference program guides.
Additional resources: ALA Library Fact Sheet 11 - Building Libraries and Library Additions: A Selected Annotated Bibliography: http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet11

Standards and Guidelines

ACRL receives many inquiries about numeric standards for academic library buildings. While there are no specific national quantitative standards, some qualitative standards are available from ACRL:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/standardslibraries.cfm
Perhaps the most useful section of these standards for designers of library space includes the following questions:

Does the library provide well-planned, secure, and sufficient space to meet the perceived needs of staff and users?

Are building mechanical systems properly designed and maintained to control temperature and humidity at recommended levels?

What are the perceptions of users regarding the provision of conducive study spaces, including a sufficient number of seats and varied types of seating?

Is there enough space for current library collections and future growth of print resources?

Does the staff have sufficient workspace, and is it configured to promote efficient operations for current and future needs?

Does the library's signage facilitate use and navigation of the facilities?

Does the library provide ergonomic workstations for its users and staff?

Are electrical and network wiring sufficient to meet the needs associated with electronic access?

Does the library meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Boyden L. & Weiner J. (2001) For the public good: Sustainability demonstration in public library building projects [Electronic version]. Public Libraries, 40(6), 44-6.

Brown, B. (2003) The new green standard: With the LEED rating system in place it is easier to make sure your new library saves money as it treads lightly on natural resources [Electron Version]. Library Journal, 128(20), 61-4.

Seng, S.H. (2007) An eco-building, a healthy life, and good service: A new Century in public library architecture [Electronic version]. Public Libraries 46(4), 50-5.

Key Additional Resources

The Library Leadership and Management Association’s Buildings and Equipment Section (LLAMA BES) brings together librarians and design professionals to analyze, discuss, and share information related to academic, public, and school library buildings, equipment, and furnishings. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to: library site selection, building planning and architecture; library furniture and equipment; interior design; maintenance and security of buildings and property; and disaster recovery. LLAMA BES includes the Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee, which is specifically devoted to academic libraries. http://www.ala.org/llama/sections/bes